The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has raised concern over the detention of six Nigerian tourists currently held at an immigration deportation camp in Cape Verde. The tourists, who traveled from Senegal to Cape Verde Island for vacation, were reportedly pulled aside upon arrival, accused of insufficient funds, had their phones confiscated, and were detained without further explanation.
According to distressing reports from the detention facility, the group—which includes young Nigerians aged between 25 and 31—is undergoing significant emotional trauma. One of the detained individuals is said to be suffering from a medical condition and has been denied access to necessary medication.
NIDCOM is appealing to the Cape Verdean immigration authorities to treat the Nigerian citizens with dignity and ensure their safe and immediate return to Dakar, Senegal, from where they can reconnect to Nigeria.
The detained tourists have been identified as David James Udoh, Lily Dada, Oghenero Adaware, Sherifat Abimbola Ogundairo, and Jesutomi Aina. They reportedly traveled under the arrangement of a Nigerian travel and tour company, ìrìn travels (@irintravels, @thefaraway).
The families of the detained Nigerians are deeply concerned about their safety and well-being. The incident has been formally reported to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its Consular and Migration Directorate.
